Abstract

Abstract

The serologic response to Helicobacter pylori was determined in 388 children and teenagers living in Iquique, Chile by using an IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum antibody levels, as measured by optical density, correlated strongly with age. Increases in the mean antibody level were seen primarily after age five, with rates of seropositivity increasing to ≥ 70% among teenagers. The reasons for this age-related pattern of acquisition of infection remain to be determined.